Spread across Manchester and Liverpool, Brabners LLP maintains its stellar reputation for handling the full scope of sports mandates concerning sporting events, the eligibility and inclusion of transgender athletes, and claims involving racism charges and libel. Lydia Edgar leads the team, and is noted for her vast knowledge of the employment aspects of sport, assisting national governing bodies (NGB), owners, and athletes with appointments and exit agreements, while Andrew McGregor maintains a football focused practice, with his caseload primarily consisting of contractual mandates, acting for both clubs and agencies. Jason Smith acts for a varied client list of NGBs and international federations in matters involving broadcasting, image rights, and sponsorship, and Catherine Forshaw is a key name for both union and league rugby clients, and is known for her strong focus on UK FA and RFL anti-doping disciplinary proceedings, and Safeguarding Commission proceedings. Colin Bell leads the firm’s IP group, and is a key name for commercial rights agreements.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Market-leading firm for sports law work’
‘Andrew McGregor has excellent instincts and a skill for getting to grips with the key issues in a matter; very client-friendly, with excellent connections in professional football, which help reassure clients.’
Key clients
- The English Football League
- England & Wales Cricket Board
Work highlights
- Acted for the Commonwealth Games Federation in a dispute following the decision of the State of Victoria, Australia to withdraw as the host state for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
- Advised a number of National Governing Bodies on the eligibility and inclusion of transgender athletes in their respective sports.